East Carolina quarterback Shane Carden and the Pirates' offense will hang some big numbers this season. Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

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The Picks

Division Champs: Eastern Carolina (East), Tulsa (West)Conference Champ: TulsaTop Heisman Candidate: Rakeem Cato, QB, MarshallOffensive Player Of The Year: Shane Carden, QB, East CarolinaDefensive Player Of The Year: Phillip Gaines, CB, RiceCoach Of The Year: Ruffin McNeillBiggest Upset: Bowling Green over TulsaEmerging Star: Darrin Reaves, RB, UABGame Of The Year: Tulsa at East CarolinaBiggest Disappointment: Florida AtlanticCoach On The Hottest Seat: Carl Pelini, Florida Atlantic (Note: all C-USA coaches are in good standing. Pelini is really the only coach you can classify in this category due to longevity at his current job.)

A Six Pack Of Bold C-USA Predictions

1. UAB, with team chemistry, offensive talent and Garrick McGee's confidence, will have the Blazers bowling for the second time in school history.

2. Southern Miss will contend for a bowl game after going winless in 2011. The late-season game at UAB will be crucial if the Golden Eagles want to go bowling.

3. Tulsa will have a tough first game on the road against Bowling Green. The Golden Hurricane are a four-point underdog for a reason. ESPNU should have an upset alert game Thursday night. Stay tuned and do not be surprised if Tulsa starts out 0-1 and then wins the conference.